Dynamic Multi-Destination Traffic Management in Distributed Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed tunnel endpoints face inefficiencies in forwarding multi-destination traffic, as one tunnel is often bottlenecked while others remain underutilized, and failover processes can be intensive, leading to delays in traffic switchover due to reprogramming of VLANs and multicast group identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A switch within a distributed tunnel endpoint is elected as a distribution master to dynamically map VLANs to tunnels based on criteria like the number of tunnels, VLANs, and traffic volume, and designates replicators for load-balanced forwarding of broadcast, unknown unicast, and multicast traffic, avoiding redundant traffic and simplifying failover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multi-destination traffic is forwarded through a single designated tunnel in a distributed tunnel endpoint, then traffic forwarding is simplified, but the tunnel becomes a bottleneck and other tunnels remain underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic forwarding function by designating different switches within the distributed tunnel endpoint as forwarders for different VLANs. Instead of using a single tunnel for all traffic, the system divides the forwarding responsibility across multiple switches (e.g., first switch forwards VLAN 10 traffic, second switch forwards VLAN 20 traffic), thereby eliminating the bottleneck while maintaining simplified forwarding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic tunnel selection where the system automatically determines which switch forwards traffic for each VLAN based on current network conditions. The dynamic tunnel identifier selection allows the system to adaptively allocate traffic across available tunnels, ensuring optimal utilization while maintaining simple forwarding operations through automated decision-making.
2Reliability
If failover processes involve reprogramming of VLANs and multicast group identifiers, then high availability is achieved, but the process becomes intensive and causes delays in traffic switchover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple tunnels and designating backup forwarders before failover is needed. The system maintains ready-to-use forwarding paths and pre-establishes tunnel mappings, so when failover occurs, the switch can immediately activate the backup forwarder without time-consuming reprogramming of VLANs or multicast group identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates redundant copies of forwarding capabilities by designating backup forwarders that maintain identical or equivalent forwarding configurations. When the primary forwarder fails, the backup forwarder can immediately take over using its pre-configured forwarding information, eliminating the need for time-consuming reprogramming and ensuring continuous traffic flow.
3Productivity
If multiple tunnels are used for multi-destination traffic, then tunnel utilization improves, but traffic distribution becomes complex and requires dynamic mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically performs tunnel identifier selection and traffic distribution without manual intervention. The automated controller dynamically determines which tunnel to use for each VLAN based on current network state, and automatically configures the forwarding mappings, thereby achieving high tunnel utilization while eliminating the complexity of manual traffic distribution management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors tunnel utilization and network conditions, then uses this information to dynamically adjust traffic distribution. The automated controller receives feedback about current tunnel usage and network state, and accordingly optimizes the mapping between VLANs and tunnels, achieving efficient utilization while keeping the distribution logic manageable through data-driven decisions.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch comprises a storage device; a mapping module configured to maintain, in the storage device, a first mapping between a first service tunnel identifier and a first virtual local area network (VLAN) identifier; and maintain a second mapping between the first VLAN identifier and an indicator, wherein the indicator indicates whether the switch is elected as a designated forwarder of multi-destination traffic for the first service tunnel identifier.